Snapshot A 55-year-old man presents to the ophthalmologist with complaint of a painless "nodule" on the inner surface of his lower eyelid. He denies any pain in the area, and it has not affected his vision. Physical examination is notable for a small chalazion. He is instructed to apply warm compresses to the eye area multiple times a day. SUMMARY Chalazion presents as a painless eyelid nodule caused by the obstruction of the sebaceous glands in the eyelid Diagnosis is made clinically based on exam finding of a painless eyelid nodule Treatment involves applying warm compresses to the eye, as chalazia typically self-resolve Epidemiology Risk factors blepharitis inflammation of the eyelid rosacea prior chalazion ETIOLOGY Pathophysiology obstruction of the Zeis or meibomian glands of the eyelid thickened secretions lead to blockage of glands, producing a granulomatous inflammatory response Presentation Symptoms eyelid discomfort from swelling eyelid pain in cases of secondary infection Physical examination painless nodule located in the inner eyelid Studies Slit-lamp examination evaluation of the meibomian glands Differential Hordeolum (stye) key differentiating factor results from acute purulent inflammation of the eyelid glands painful Sebaceous carcinoma key differentiating factors causes persistent or recurrent lesion biopsy results demonstrate vacuolated cytoplasm and high mitotic activity Treatment Lifestyle warm compresses indication to facilitate drainage of chalazia Surgical incision and curettage indication persistent or recurrent chalazion pathological analysis of specimen to rule out sebaceous cell carcinoma Complications Acute secondary infection